THE FIRST MEETING

Soon after Nath Puri left Kailash with his message, Sri Devpuriji made his way to Bari Khatu accompanied by his cows, horse, goats, birds and snakes. His faithful black sheep also followed. On his arrival the villagers gathered in crowds to receive his darshan, for long ago his fame had reached them.

The area surrounding Bari Khatu is quite hilly and the village is located atop one of those hills. However, Sri Devpuriji didn't go directly there, instead he set up camp in a nearby valley.

It was in this valley that the two great souls first came together, where there merged two streams of pure love and light.

On that day Bhagwan Sri Deep Narayan Mahaprabhuji had led his cows to graze in this same valley and as he watched them, he suddenly became aware of the presence of Lord Shiva himself standing before him, smiling. With respect and great reverence Mahaprabhuji bowed his head and then with folded hands praised God in this wonderful bhajan.

"Vishwa Deep, Light of the Universe, myself and yourself are one and the same. Only our bodies differ, but our souls are united. Although the vessels are different, the Light within always remains the same. You personify sat cit ananda — truth, pure consciousness and eternal bliss. As sat sanatan dharma[1] stipulates, we will now commence that holy relationship of Master and disciple."

Then he initiated Mahaprabhuji with a holy mantra. With great reverence, gratitude and joy, Mahaprabhuji accepted the mercy shown by Sri Devpuriji and praised his Divine Guru in the following bhajans.

DHANYA DHANYA HO ES BHAG SIKHANDER

What great Mercy, what fulfilment to have receivedThy Blessing,Thou art the highest knowledge, the Master of Thy own Self,Thou dwell in my heart,Thou art Brahman, the Supreme, the Divine Master,In my heart Thou light the Eternal Light,Thou art Krishna, the lover of my soul.

"Yes, holy Mother, you remember correctly," Sri Devpuriji replied, "for long ago on Shiva-Ratri I appeared in your meditation and promised I would visit your Divine son. Now I have come."

Srimati Chandan Deviji was fully aware of being blessed by the personal presence of Lord Shiva and she bowed to him with complete devotion. Sri Devpuriji stayed that night in the family house of Mahaprabhuji and on this wonderful evening filled with satsang, no-one ever thought of sleep.

JAYA MATESHWARI JAYA DEVI CHANDAN

Ode to the Divine MotherHail victory to the Divine Mother,Srimati Chandan Deviji!Vishwa Deep, the Light of the universe, is her son,Glory to Maha Prabhu Deep, glory be his Holy Mother,O Mother! You are the eternal, Divine MotherTo whom all Devas pay their respects,Rishis, Munis and Avatars chant your fame,Your mercy liberates from the chains of the world.Bless me, O my Mother!